City of Armagh had their second home AIL game against Queens University and after a tight struggle they came away with 4 league points. Played in tricky conditions, the first half was a dour affair with both sets of defences limiting scoring opportunities. Armagh were forced to make one change in the front row when Paul Mullen had a slight strain after training on Thursday. Dylan Poyntz stepped up to the mark. Curtis Pollock came into the back row for Andrew Willis. The backs were unchanged.
Queens went into the lead after 8 minutes when outhalf, Green kicked a forty metre penalty. Armagh’s O’Kane had a simple chance of his own moments later, but he surprisingly missed what would be in his case a simple penalty. He made amends with a kick after 30 minutes to equalise the score. Queens went back into the lead with another Green penalty on the stroke of half time, but Armagh finished the half with a converted try by prop Niall Carville.
Half time City of Armagh 10 Queens 6.
The second half was similar to the first but with Armagh’s lineout functioning extremely well, it was only a matter of time before they increased their lead. From a lineout close to the Queen’s line, Noah bell on for the injured Ryan Finlay, drove over for the try. O’Kane converted and Armagh had a 17- 6 lead. Queens were still dangerous on the break and after a well-executed backline move, their left winger scored close to the posts. Green stuck the upright with his conversion attempt. Armagh were not yet finished and kept pounding for the extra score. With their maul going well, they let Queens off the hook on occasion, but Glenn Faloon popped up in his opposite wing to score in the right-hand corner. O’ Kane was unable to convert. The call came from the coaches to try and get the bonus point try, but it was Queens who had the final say and scrum half, Logan was on the end of a bit of enterprising play. He scored in the last minute of the game to give Queens a losing bonus point which they probably deserved.
The Armagh pack were in a real dog fight with both Carville and Poyntz playing 80 minutes. Johnny Morton’s lineout throwing was exceptional and he found both John Glasgow and Josh McKinley on every occasion. The back row of Dougan, Pollock and Finlay worked their socks off and Noah Bell was a useful player to come on for Finlay. Scrum half Murray is developing a good understanding with outhalf O’ Kane and constantly kept Queens on the back foot. Centres, McNeice and Taylor got over the gain line on many occasions and wingers Faloon and Cunningham always looked threatening. Captain Shea O’ Brien is nearly back to his best and proved a threat every time he got the ball. Mathew Hooks and Rocky Olsen didn’t get much time on the pitch, with Rocky still carrying an injury and Matty getting a yellow card for obstruction. A win is a win as they say and the 3 victories they have had this year puts them in second place in the league table.
